Concussion
All sport participants play a vital role in detecting and managing concussions. Our resources include the latest research and best practices, as well as tools to support education and the development of policies and protocols.
Search Concussion Resources
Top 10 resources
- Consensus statement on concussion in sport: the 6th International Conference on Concussion in Sport
- Canadian Guideline on Concussion in Sport
- The new Consensus Statement on Concussions in Sport: What does it mean for sport leaders in Canada?
- Canada’s Concussion Roadmap
- Concussion Recognition Tool 6
- Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6
- Child Sport Concussion Assessment Tool 6
- Concussion Policy Development in Canadian Sport
- Concussion Protocol Template
- NCCP Training Module Making Head Way in Sport
Featured resource
Dr. Scott Ramsay, Ph.D and Paula Baker
Featured resource
Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute and SIRC
Featured resource
University of Calgary, Parachute Canada, and SIRC
Featured resource
Sport Information Resource Centre
Quick Facts
How can someone recognize when an athlete has sustained a concussion?
A concussion can be caused by any contact to the head, neck or body which causes the brain to move within the skull. If an athlete was involved in a potential concussive event (for example, a fall or hit), they should be removed from play until cleared by a medical professional. Some of the common symptoms of a concussion to look out for include headaches, dizziness, sensitivity to light and difficulty remembering. The following tools help with the recognition of concussions:
What should someone do if they think an athlete has a concussion?
If an athlete is suspected to have sustained a concussion, they should be removed from play and referred to a medical professional for a concussion assessment. Athletes who continue to play after a concussion are at an increased risk of experiencing a second injury or a prolonged recovery.
What is Rowan's Law?
- Educate all sports participants (for example, athletes, parents, and coaches) about concussions using Ontario's Concussion Awareness Resources.
- Establish a Concussion Code of Conduct.
- Create Removal-from-Sport and Return-to-Sport protocols.
When can an athlete return to school or sport after a concussion?
Athletes should rest for an initial period of 24 to 48 hours after a concussion. After an initial rest period, they can begin to follow the appropriate return to school and sports guidelines with the support of a medical professional. The adult and pediatric living guidelines outline a gradual return to activity and recommend a full return to school before a full return to sport.
What is the role of a coach or official in concussion prevention, detection and management?
What can sport organizations do to better support concussions?
Concussion education is critical for all sport participants and can help ensure athletes get the support they need. To support concussion education and awareness, each National Sport Organization should have a concussion protocol and policy, which should also be shared by organizations at the local level. This resourceÂ
can be used to support the development of concussion policies. Additionally, organizations should promote concussion awareness through concussion education.Â
How can sports organizations lead the way in concussion prevention and management?
Having and using up-to-date and evidence-informed concussion policies and protocols are some of the best things that sports organizations can do to lead the way when it comes to concussions. To support the creation of policies and measure the impact that these policies have on concussions in sports, organizations should rely on research. Many sport organizations are leading the way when it comes to using research to inform their policies and partnering with researchers to measure the impact of these policies. For example, Rugby Ontario is working with researchers to understand the impact of their ‘Blue Card’ initiative on concussions in rugby, while Hockey Canada used recent research to create a policy disallowing body-checking in their youth leagues.
To learn more about some of the sports leading the way, explore the following resources:
Video Resources
Return to play and rehab considerations for the concussed athlete
- Canadian Academy of Sport and Exercise Medicine, Canadian Medical Association, and SIRC
- 2014
The Amsterdam Consensus Statement on concussion in sport: What does it mean for sport leaders in Canada?
- Sport Information Resource Centre (SIRC)
- 2024
Sport North Federation & SIRC WebinarConcussions – What coaches & their teams need to know
- Sport North Federation and SIRC
- 2021
CFRA “Experts on Call”: The Importance of Research and How Sport Organizations Can Use Data
- Laurentian University, University of Alberta, SIRC, and Bell Media
- 2019
Panel: Data Collection in Sport and How to Get Started
- Parachute Canada, University of British Columbia, Water Ski & Wakeboard Canada, Centre for Injury Prevention Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre, and SIRC
- 2021
Room 8 – Leadership, Coaching & Officiating | Salle 8 – Leadership, entraînement et arbitrage
- Cape Breton University, University of Toronto, University of Windsor, University of Manitoba, Ontario Tech University, and SIRC
- 2021
Knowledge Nuggets
knowledge nuggets
The SCAT6
Sport-related concussions are among the toughest challenges in sports medicine, with new research constantly updating the field. The latest update, SCAT6, represents the latest evolution
Sport-related concussions are among the toughest challenges in sports medicine, with new research constantly updating the field. The latest update, SCAT6, represents the latest evolution in concussion assessment, combining cutting-edge research and expert insights to further our understanding of how we diagnose and manage concussion.
knowledge nuggets
Rest post-concussion
A popular myth is that after a concussion, an athlete should be prescribed strict rest until their symptoms resolve. However, research shows that light physical
A popular myth is that after a concussion, an athlete should be prescribed strict rest until their symptoms resolve. However, research shows that light physical and cognitive activity in the first 48 hours after injury can improve concussion outcomes in athletes. Explore the full article for more information on rest and exercise after a concussion.
knowledge nuggets
Diversifying concussion research
There is a significant gap in race and ethnicity reporting in concussion research. A recent review revealed that out of 854 articles, only 15.5% reported
There is a significant gap in race and ethnicity reporting in concussion research. A recent review revealed that out of 854 articles, only 15.5% reported race, 7.6% reported ethnicity, and 84.4% did not report either. To better understand the impact of concussions across diverse populations, researchers should include diverse participants in their studies and accurately report on the demographic characteristics of study participants.
knowledge nuggets
The importance of early access to multidisciplinary care in concussion recovery
A Canadian study examining the impact of access to multidisciplinary care following a concussion in Olympic athletes found that return to sport was longer in
A Canadian study examining the impact of access to multidisciplinary care following a concussion in Olympic athletes found that return to sport was longer in athletes who had a delayed access to care. This research emphasizes the importance of early engagement with healthcare professionals to ensure a quicker and safer return to sport.
knowledge nuggets
Retirement after concussions
It can be hard to know when an athlete should retire from sports due to concussions. Researchers have highlighted the importance of having open discussions
It can be hard to know when an athlete should retire from sports due to concussions. Researchers have highlighted the importance of having open discussions with athletes who have experienced concussions about the current evidence and risks of continuing to play so that they can make informed decisions about their participation or retirement. These discussions should include clinicians with expertise in concussions and consider the athlete’s unique circumstances.
knowledge nuggets
Concussions and helmet fit
How often do you check your helmet’s fit? Research shows that hockey players who wear improperly fitting helmets may have increased odds of experiencing a
How often do you check your helmet’s fit? Research shows that hockey players who wear improperly fitting helmets may have increased odds of experiencing a concussion. Encouraging athletes to have their helmets fit checked can help ensure that they get all of the protective benefits their helmet offers. 
knowledge nuggets
Protective equipment in hockey
Protective equipment plays an important role in keeping hockey players safe from injuries, including concussions. Recent research out of the University of Calgary has shown
Protective equipment plays an important role in keeping hockey players safe from injuries, including concussions. Recent research out of the University of Calgary has shown that wearing mouthguards (both off-the-shelf and custom-made) can reduce the risk of concussion in youth hockey players. Policies that reflect research findings are important to ensure that athletes are wearing the appropriate equipment for their sport.
knowledge nuggets
Sleep issues among concussed youth athletes
Concussions among athletes represent a significant concern in the world of sport and medicine. Sleep disturbances are common among those who have experienced concussions, particularly
Concussions among athletes represent a significant concern in the world of sport and medicine. Sleep disturbances are common among those who have experienced concussions, particularly among pediatric patients, and are linked to more severe symptoms within 2 weeks of the injury. With melatonin being a common sleep aid, a recent study looked into prescriptions of melatonin and found that the prescription did not lead to accelerated symptom recovery.
More concussion resources
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